5 Kitchen Design Mistakes NKBA Designers Help You Avoid

victoria pence • February 5, 2026

Avoid costly kitchen renovation mistakes with insights from NKBA designers. Learn what Long Island homeowners should know before starting a remodel.

Avoid costly kitchen renovation mistakes with insights from NKBA designers. Learn what Long Island homeowners should know before starting a remodel.

5 Kitchen Design Mistakes NKBA Designers Help You Avoid

A kitchen renovation is one of the biggest (and most exciting) investments you can make in your home — but it’s also one of the easiest places to make expensive mistakes.

Most kitchen issues we see aren’t about color choices or cabinet styles. They come down to planning, spacing, and layout decisions that weren’t thought through early enough.

That’s where NKBA design standards make a real difference. NKBA (National Kitchen & Bath Association) guidelines are designed to help kitchens work better, not just look good.

Here are five common kitchen design mistakes we see — and how NKBA-guided design helps homeowners avoid them.

Mistake #1: Poor Kitchen Workflow

A kitchen can be beautiful and still feel frustrating to use.

Poor workflow usually shows up as:

Appliances that fight each other when opened
Walkways that feel tight or awkward
Too much foot traffic cutting through the work area

Pinterest photos don’t show how a kitchen functions during real life — cooking, unloading groceries, hosting friends, or managing busy mornings.

NKBA guidelines focus heavily on kitchen workflow, whether that’s a traditional work triangle or modern zone-based layouts. The goal is simple: fewer steps, better flow, and a kitchen that feels natural to move through.

👉 This is one of the biggest reasons homeowners benefit from working with an NKBA-affiliated designer rather than designing on the fly.

Mistake #2: Incorrect Clearances and Spacing

This is one of the most common — and costly — mistakes.

We regularly see kitchens where:

There isn’t enough room between an island and cabinets
Appliance doors hit each other
Walkways feel cramped once the kitchen is actually in use

These issues don’t always show up on paper, but they become very real once the kitchen is built.

NKBA standards clearly outline minimum spacing and clearance guidelines to ensure kitchens are comfortable, safe, and functional. Getting this right upfront helps prevent daily annoyances — and expensive changes later.

Mistake #3: Bad Appliance Placement

Appliance placement is about more than lining things up neatly.

Common appliance mistakes include:

Dishwashers placed too far from sinks
Refrigerators blocking walkways when opened
Wall ovens installed at uncomfortable heights

NKBA designers plan appliance locations around ergonomics, safety, and ease of use, not just appearance. That means less bending, fewer collisions, and a kitchen that feels easier to live in every day.

Mistake #4: Not Enough (or the Wrong) Storage

It’s not just about having storage — it’s about having the right storage.

We often see kitchens with:

Deep cabinets that are hard to access
Too few drawers where they matter most
No plan for pantry or specialty storage

This is especially important in Long Island homes, where space can be limited and every inch needs to work harder.

A professional kitchen designer plans storage intentionally — using drawer systems, vertical storage, and customized solutions that match how you actually use your kitchen.

Mistake #5: Designing Only for Today

Trends come and go, but your kitchen needs to last.

One of the biggest long-term mistakes is designing a kitchen that only works for how you live right now.

NKBA standards consider:

Long-term comfort
Aging-in-place considerations
Accessibility and ease of use
Future resale value

Designing with the future in mind doesn’t mean sacrificing style — it means creating a kitchen that continues to feel good years down the road.

Why NKBA Design Standards Matter

Most kitchen renovation regrets aren’t about finishes — they’re about function.

Working with a designer who follows NKBA standards helps eliminate guesswork, reduce costly mistakes, and create a kitchen that works beautifully for everyday life.

If you’re planning a kitchen renovation on Long Island, understanding how NKBA-guided design works is a smart first step.

Peconic Kitchen & Bath proudly serves Long Island homeowners with thoughtful, functional kitchen design rooted in NKBA standards, experience, and care.

This article reflects the design standards and professional practices followed by Vincent Pence, NKBA member, and the team at Peconic Kitchen & Bath.

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Victoria Pence

General Manager

I take care of posting all of our blogs on the Peconic Kitchen and Bath website. I make sure each post looks great, is easy to read, and shares helpful tips and updates with our clients!

(631) 369-0700

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